Casting

In casting, we take several things into account:

 
1.  Information we’ve gathered during auditions and callbacks.
2.  The technical requirements of each role.
3.  The learning goals for each actor and how this young performer can grow.
4.  Rehearsal and performance conflicts
5.  Attitude towards staff, fellow actors, and the space.
 
At the end of the casting process, we place students in whichever production and role best suits the
artistic and educational needs of the program and the student.
 
Please note: roles will not be double-cast.
 
All students who are cast will also receive a casting form that includes:
 
1.  How we think this role will take advantage of what each individual has to offer.
2.  How this role will help each actor develop specific skills to grow to their fullest potential.
 
We spend hours working on casting to make sure our decisions best take advantage of what each
individual has to offer, while helping each actor grow and have a wonderful summer. We also work to
actively keep our cast sizes small, so each student is able to have a moment that is specifically their own.

We are happy to schedule meeting with families during our planning period if you have questions about
our decisions.
Announcing Casting

We announce the casting of the shows via the sign-in sheets the morning of the third day of the
program, Wednesday, July 10, 2019. We will also distribute scripts and sheet music on that day, so you
don’t need to print out scripts yourselves. We respectfully request that families NOT accompany their
child into the building on this day, NOT text their child about which role they received, and NOT
engage in other activities which might place more emphasis on this one moment than the totality of
the summer experience. It’s hard, we know.
 
That afternoon, really great alternative questions to “What part did you get?” might be: “What show are
you in? What did you do in rehearsal today? What was the best moment of the day? How were your
workshops?”
 
A philosophical note: Announcing casting with the sign-in sheets is a public way of letting actors know
our directorial staffs are proud of, and excited, about their choices and where we were able to place
each student. But the process can be stressful. Our philosophy—developed over many years—is that
yes, some actors will feel disappointed. It’s totally understandable, unavoidable and—in the long run—
healthy.  Trust us; our staff of professional artists have experienced quite a few theatrical
disappointments in their lives. 
 
Every actor should have something to be excited about from casting; it’s our responsibility as a staff to
show them that. We announce the cast at the beginning of the day and move straight into a large group
activity (be it the warm-up, learning a song, or a great dance) that demonstrates to the students that we
consider every role to be valuable to the story and the production.